HRM of Texas - InSites

La Copita to be a model for stewardship & education

From the Spring 2001 newslette
by C. Wayne Hanselka

La Copita manager and Extension Associate, David McKnown, shows the HRM of TX board
the results of intensive grazing on a strip of the ranch.

The Department of Rangeland Ecology and Management (RLEM) at Texas A&M University assumed management of the La Copita ranch in March, 1999. The ranch is a 2700 acre property located in Northern Jim Wells County. The first order of business was to decide on the purpose and processes under which the ranch would be managed. It was decided that the objectives of the facility would be to 1) maintain ownership and control with provision of partial funding although most revenues would be generated from the ranch; 2) show/demonstrate/maintain sustainability of the ranch firm and rangeland resources through economic returns from applicable enterprises, demonstrate applicable practices of resource manipulation, small scale field tests of practices-pros and cons; implementing best combinations of enterprises to sustain ecological integrity and economic returns, emulate the trends of area ranchers and managers, and document decisions and conditions of possible vs. proposed management actions; 3) conduct educational programs for the various publics and clientele in south Texas; 4) conduct research programs in ecological processes, practices, and procedures; and 5) accumulate an accurate record of the landscape, weather events, biological populations, and financial trends through various monitoring procedures.

To achieve these objectives the ranch should and would be managed holistically. Extension Range Specialists are presently conducting a "Total Resource Management" program that incorporates HRM principles and emphasizes the strategic planning process in a systems context. They, along with the RLEM Department, are partnering with HRM of Texas in developing the Strategic Plan for the ranch.

A working three-part goal has been drafted. The goal is that the ranch will provide a model for ranch firm and rangeland resource sustainability, for land stewardship, and a facility for ecological learning and outreach. The Ranch will challenge intellectual curiosity and create an environment for teaching and learning for both faculty, colleagues, and clientele. It will provide a reality-based classroom for demonstrating functioning, productive rangeland ecosystems; diversification of enterprises; and opportunities for educating the public. It will be self-sufficient to cover basic operating costs.

The forms of production to be generated include: effective educational programs in rangeland natural resource management, effective public volunteer programs, opportunities for furthering learning and acquiring of skills, and a long-term financial plan. The ranch will be self-sufficient in that profits derived from surplus in the ranch budget will be used on the ranch and for operational needs. Sound stewardship practices and methodologies resulting in enhanced ecosystem functions and sustainable rangeland production will be practiced; research and educational programs and activities will be planned, implemented, and evaluated focusing on the needs of the many interested publics in South Texas; and these practices will be implemented so that an adequate revenue stream is maintained.

The future resource base will involve the community, colleagues, and rangeland/ranch base. The public will view the ranch as The source of rangeland-based information for the region. Faculty and staff will be known as innovative, knowledgeable, professional, and helpful in serving the public interest. The land will support numerous native vegetative communities rich in biological diversity; soils covered with herbaceous plants; a healthy water cycle with optimized water infiltration and minimal soil erosion; and mineral and energy cycling is functional. Wildlife populations will be healthy and thriving.

The Strategic vision for La Copita Demonstration Ranch and Research Area is thus to:

Provide an Extension ranch facility for clientele training and demonstration of sustainable/improvement rangeland resources management with appropriate economic considerations for south Texas as mixed brush ecosystems; and
Provide a first class rangeland facility and natural vegetation land resource base for sustained longterm climate/vegetation research.

The TAMU System Administration is committed to longterm ownership and management of La Copita Ranch property. All decisions and uses of these resources will be in accordance with extension and research goals and the necessary activities for achieving these goals. The partnership with HRM of Texas and managing the property holistically will ensure success in this regard.

Take the ranch tour.

C. Wayne Hanselka is Associate Department Head and Extension Program Leader for Rangeland Ecology and Management for Texas A&M University. He is located in Corpus Christi and is currently Vice President of HRM of TX.

David West ranch